Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-11-26
FRENCH AND GERMAN SOG.DJERs.
A Comparison Between the Fjghtina
Men Of the Two Countries.

From 7. c. Crawford's London Letter in the World
The French soldiers, so far as their physique IL
concerned, cannot compare for one moment with
the Germans. The men are smaller and do not
have the look Of rudy health OF the Germans.
do not believe they are trained as well physically.
Certainly their faces do not indicate a good
physical condition Their eyes are dull and their
compilations are sallow. They have a slouching
gait as they walk, instead OF the alert, vigorous
action which comes from lne physical training
Their uniforms are loose fitting and clumSly cut
The German soldiers wear snug fitting clothes.
Their trousers are always skin-tight and you will
rarely see a wrinkle In the Jacket OF even the
private soldier. The French uniforms while
handsome in color, are very clumsily made There
is enough cloth in the trousers OF a French
soldier TO make whole uniform for a German.
The clumsy look OF these baggy trousers Is further
increased by their being sewed tight to clumsy
boot legs, which are separated from the shoe
below ana % are strapped under the foot The
Germans. The suoordination and the thorough
discipline OF the German army are unknown
never salutes his Ofiicer only unless in Quarters
II they should meet In civil life they are supposed
10 be upon an equal footing. The other night in
Paris saw group OF French soldiers in uniform
on top or an omnibus coming down the Rue RfvolI
These soldiers were Intoxicated and were CARRYING
on in the most outrageous way. They were shout
ing and singing. One OF their number buQler
was sounding military calls greatly to the delight
OF his associates. Imagine group OF uniformed
soldiers carrying on that way in the streets Of
say that French officers do not believe in excessive
discipline, and that they think such a system has
a tendency to break the spirit OF the men, They
rely more upon the dash and courage OF their men
than they do upon mere drill This is all very well
for charge or for an advance movement But when
1t comes 10 standing silent under heavy fire or to
maintaining order and good form during retreat
the lack OF this very discipline Is always shown
among French soldiers by generalization and
panic. A German offlcer said to me the other day
that he believed the system In their army WAS 50
perfect that the Berlin authorities could place half
million OF men on the frontier and give them
orders in the event OF war to remain there until
the last one was shot down without any of them
daring TO retreat. He said he did not believe that
French troops could be held In the same way in
the face OF absolute death. But this was Ger
man view. Every one comedies the tremendous
courage and gallant fighting qualities OF the
French soldiers, but they have not the same mill
tary discipline and believe that the very super
iority OF the Germans IL point of completeness OF
preparation and OF discipline will always enable
them to defeat the French.
The constant rewards held out in the German
army to merit result in establishing a most mag
nitcent spirit among the officers. II an officer
have talent and superior qualities he Is certain to
be recognized. 1t Is a great thing for an army
when 1t is known that promotion therein will only
come 10 those who deserve 1t. Every German
Of1cer, however obscurely he may be placed has
the chance before him OF being summoned to Ber-
lin by the authorities for special advancement and
promotion II he does work TO deserve II. The re.
France promotions in the army are largely fnfiu-
enced by politicians. The head of the army has
been changed ten times since the last war with
Germany. During this time the German army has
had but one head, one directing mind. The French
work and plan TO make themselves stronger than
the Germans l had no idea to what extent this
Is carried until heard gentleman say the other
day that the French soldiers have taken, within
the last four or five years. to drinking beer beley-
ing 1t would help to make them as strong as the
Germans